Episode 101
Steven Porges, PhD
The stress response impacts every aspect of health, not only mental health. The vagus nerve is a major connector between mind and body and a big part of the parasympathetic nervous system.
In today’s episode, we are honored to welcome Dr. Stephen Porges, the author and mind behind Polyvagal Theory. Dr. Porges has committed decades of research to uncover the various aspects of how the vagus nerve is involved in trauma responses. Join us as he shares his wisdom and insights about the polyvagal theory, and ways that trauma therapy can make use of the vagus nerve.
Episode 100
Alex Grey
Allyson Grey
What is art and where does it come from? How can art provide a window into the divine nature of reality? In this episode, we take a deep dive into answering these questions along with an exploration into broader mystical experiences, transcendence and the role of psychedelics.
We are honored to host Alex and Allyson Grey, two of the most respected visionary artists in the world. They share some great stories from the early days of the psychedelic revolution, how their marriage has fostered the support they needed to produce their artwork, and the role that art plays in the healing process.
Episode 99
Joe Hawley
To make it to the top of professional sports takes a lot of hard work, mental toughness, and physical discipline, and to always be one step ahead of the game. What happens to athletes when they pivot and walk away from a lifetime of commitment and immersion in their sport? What experiences, challenges and psychological difficulties do they go through, and how do they cope?
In this episode, we’re excited to explore this existential moment with a former NFL football player and the founder and CEO of the HART collective, Joe Hawley. He shares his interesting story about his time in the NFL, insights and his effort to support former athletes who have since left their sport to find deep purpose.
Episode 98
Dr. Joe Tafur, MD
Psychedelics have been used to heal people for thousands of years in traditional indigenous ceremonial contexts. Psychiatric research is showing very promising results for psychedelic therapy. But can psychiatry address the spiritual dimensions of healing with psychedelics?
In today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Joe Tafur, author, speaker and an integrative medicine doctor at the Ocotillo Center for Integrative Medicine. Dr. Tafur discusses the role of spirituality in psychedelic healing, shamanism, and his exciting new research on epigenetic findings in people who recovered from PTSD with MDMA therapy in MAPS trials.
Episode 97
Eric Kussin
Mental illness stigmatization remains one of the biggest issues in the battle against the global mental health crisis. It’s very taboo to openly and publicly discuss our mental health, and the struggles that we all face from time to time. #Same Here founder Eric Kussin is on a mission to change that by bringing together personalities from the MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA/WNBA, MLS, Pro Boxing, Pro Volleyball, international sportsmen and women, announcers, actors, performers and musicians who are willing to tell their stories about mental health struggles.
In today’s episode, #Same Here founder, Eric Kussin shares his personal story of fighting against a severe mental health crisis, how he was misdiagnosed for years, the missing part of the equation, and what led him to founding a global mental health movement.
Episode 96
Theo Fleury
Trauma causes pain that many people seek to alleviate by turning to substances. Many high achieving people have experienced trauma and addiction while somehow maintaining an extremely high level of performance in their chosen field.
In today’s episode, we are fortunate to have former Olympic gold medalist, Stanley cup champion, speaker and author, Theo Fleury. Join us as we dive into his gripping personal story of trauma, addiction, and resiliency.
Episode 95
Julie Holland, MD
Interpersonal connection is essential for optimal mental and physical health, and even more challenged inside the social isolation brought on by this global pandemic. We don’t often think of ourselves as walking chemistry sets. But, when we view the body under this lens, we can discover powerful insights into our connections with ourselves and others, and how to optimize them.
In today’s episode, we welcome author, psychiatrist/psychopharmacologist, Julie Holland, MD to the show. Julie has been studying and writing about the chemistry of connections and psychedelics and their healing uses for years, as well as working with MAPS on several MDMA studies. She shares her insights into how as a culture, we can heal from societal trauma and what we need to consider for our patients in these tough times when there is greater amounts of social isolation and loss of connection.
Episode 94
Kiko Ellsworth
Actor Kiko Ellsworth began his career thinking that acting was the last profession he would ever pursue. It wasn’t until he got on stage that he realized how terrified he was to express his voice in the world. At that moment, he knew he needed to use acting as a vehicle for self-expression. But that was just the beginning. After years as a successful actor on TV and film, he decided to give it all up after hitting rock bottom and went on a search for a more fulfilling life. What he found is both simple and remarkable, and a testament to what’s possible when we listen to ourselves.
